Here are 10 of his notable quotes along with English translations:
1. "خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
خدا بندے سے خود پوچھے، بتا، تیری رضا کیا ہے؟"
Translation: "Elevate thyself to such heights, that before every decree
God Himself inquires of the servant, 'Tell me, what is your wish?'"
2. "تو اے مسلمان، خودی کی خدائی سے بے خود ہو جا
خدا کو بھی خود میں چھپا لے، تو ہوگا خودا ہو جا"
Translation: "O Muslim, lose thyself in the divine,
Conceal God even from Himself, and thou shalt be the divine."
3. "خودی کو ہم ہمیں متحد کرے رہنمائی ہے
یہ تحقیق زندگی کو ہے فنوں میں رہنمائی ہے"
Translation: "Selfhood unites us, it is our guiding principle,
This realization is the guidance in the arts of life."
4. "نہ ہوتا قتل ہی کہ اچھا، تو خدا ہوتا
ہزاروں ہوتے تیرے چہرے پہ اچھے اچھے"
Translation: "Had it not been for the act of killing, God would have been manifest,
Thousands would have sung praises upon seeing your face."
5. "خودی کو بھی کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر زکر تجھ سے
ہو پرہیزگار، ہو بہت بلند، ہو بے نماز"
Translation: "Elevate thyself so high that every mention points towards thee,
Be abstinent, be supremely elevated, be prayerful."
6. "خودی میں ہے شعورِ ہستی کی موت قوتِ حیات
ہے شعورِ ہستی سے زندگی بھی ہے حالتِ موت"
Translation: "In selfhood lies the consciousness of life's death and the power of life,
Life is also in the consciousness of existence, a state akin to death."
7. "تیرے علم کو تجھ سے بھی پیار ہے
اور ہر جزاء تجھ سے بھی زیادہ اے اہلِ علم"
Translation: "Your knowledge is even dearer to you than yourself,
And every reward is greater for you, O people of knowledge."
8. "کوئی اور ہیں نظر میں ہو تو جواں بخشوں
میں تو جلوہ گر ہوں، ہر اہلِ دل کے لئے"
Translation: "If there is someone else in sight, I am willing to sacrifice my life,
I am a showman, for every person of heart."
9. "ہزاروں خواہشیں ایسی کہ ہر خواہش پر دم نکلے
بہت نکلے میرے ارمان لیکن پھر بھی کم نکلے"
Translation: "Thousands of desires, each one so intense that every desire takes my breath away,
My aspirations are many, yet they still seem insufficient."
10. "خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر زیرِ زمین تیرا گوہر ہو
ہر پتھر تیرا مرکزِ گلزار ہو"
Translation: "Elevate thyself so high that every gem beneath the earth is yours,
Every stone is the center of your garden."
Allama Iqbal's life:
Allama Iqbal, born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, British India (now in Pakistan), was a prominent philosopher, poet, and politician. He played a pivotal role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement, advocating for a separate Muslim state. Iqbal's poetry, often addressing themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the empowerment of the individual, earned him the title of "Mufakkir-e-Pakistan" (The Thinker of Pakistan). His work continues to be celebrated for its profound philosophical insights and poetic brilliance. Iqbal passed away on April 21, 1938, leaving behind a rich legacy of thought and literature.
Some of his notable works include:
1. Bang-i-Dra (بانگ درا):
This is a collection of poetry in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic, showcasing Iqbal's diverse poetic styles.
2. Asrar-e-Khudi (اسرارِ خودی):
Translated as "Secrets of the Self," this philosophical work delves into the concept of individuality and self-discovery.
3. Zarb-i Kalim (ضربِ کلیم):
Also known as "The Reed-Pen Verses," it is a collection of poems expressing Iqbal's thoughts on spirituality, society, and politics.
4. Rumuz-i-Bekhudi (رموزِ بیخودی):
Translated as "The Secrets of Selflessness," this book explores the ideas of selflessness and sacrifice.
5. Payam-i-Mashriq (پیامِ مشرق):
This work, translated as "Message of the East," reflects Iqbal's thoughts on the cultural and philosophical heritage of the Eastern world.
6. Bal-i-Jibril (بالِ جبرائیل):
Also known as "Gabriel's Wing," this is another collection of Iqbal's poetry, exploring themes of spirituality, self-realization, and social justice.
7. Armughan-e-Hijaz (ارمغانِ ہجاز):
Translated as "Gift of the Hijaz," this work pays tribute to the cultural and historical significance of the Hijaz region.
8. Tulu-e-Islam (طلوعِ اسلام):
Meaning "The Rise of Islam," this book addresses the challenges faced by Muslims and suggests ways for their revival.
Allama Iqbal's writings continue to inspire and influence readers, and his philosophical and poetic works remain an integral part of South Asian literature and intellectual discourse.